3 things we will learn about Michigan football this weekend

This weekend, Michigan football will take the field and kick off their 2023 season against East Carolina at The Big House in Ann Arbor, MI. For the Wolverines, this year’s roster is one of Jim Harbaugh’s best ever, and after claiming two straight Big Ten titles and more, it appears that the Maize and Blue have a solid shot at the National Championship down the road. Here are three things that we are about to learn about the Wolverines tomorrow.

3. How much of a difference maker is JJ McCarthy for the Michigan football offense?

One aspect of the Michigan football program that has been talked about time and time again is the Wolverines’ passing attack — can the Wolverines finally take the next step? That question will be largely answered tomorrow when JJ McCarthy and the Wolverines hit the field.

Last year, McCarthy struggled with the deep ball early on and didn’t really catch his stride until late in the season, and even then, he made a few costly mistakes in the College Football Playoff. When it comes to the passing game, McCarthy and interim offensive play-caller Kirk Campbell (QB coach) will be able to show us a lot about the Wolverines’ offense this weekend.

2. How does the team, staff respond to adversity?

Heading into tomorrow’s Michigan football season opener, the Wolverines are without two major coaches (Jim Harbaugh and Sherrone Moore) and are in the middle of the national spotlight because of it. Throughout fall camp, the team has emphasized that they are turning out the noise; this weekend, we will get to see if that is true or not.

Michigan football also has some injury issues going on, so it will be good to see how the team adapts and rises to the occasion on Saturday.

1. Rising stars get to shine due to injuries and more

Whether it be injuries, such as Rod Moore and Makari Paige, or just talent rising to the top of the depth chart, we’re going to get to see some young stars for Michigan football this weekend. Throughout the defensive backfield, the wide receiver corps, and more, Michigan will need to rely on depth — including freshmen — to overcome East Carolina. Additionally, as the game hits its later stages, there is a good chance that many more younger faces will get to stand out — keep an eye on the young risers tomorrow as they finally get a shot at proving their worth on the roster.

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